Watch Adam's Rib

Adam's Rib is a classic romantic comedy from 1949, directed by George Cukor and starring the legendary duo Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, along with Judy Holliday. The movie revolves around one of the most fundamental debates of human civilization: are men and women equal? The story follows a married couple, Adam Bonner (Spencer Tracy) and Amanda Bonner (Katharine Hepburn), who are both successful lawyers. On the surface, they seem to have a perfect marriage, but trouble starts when they are assigned to different sides of a high-profile case. The case is about Doris Attinger (Judy Holliday), a woman who has shot her unfaithful husband. Adam is assigned to prosecute the case, while Amanda decides to defend Doris.

As the case unfolds, tensions between the couple heighten as they find themselves on opposing sides of the argument. Adam is convinced that Doris is guilty and wants her to be punished, while Amanda believes that she acted out of self-defense and should be acquitted. This difference in opinion becomes a source of conflict not only for the couple but also for the court.

As the trial progresses, the couple's personal and professional lives become intertwined. Their marriage is put to the test, and they have to confront their own notions of gender roles, relationships, and the law. The case becomes a battle of the sexes, and both Adam and Amanda use their legal skills to convince the jury of their point of view.

The witty and sharp dialogues between Tracy and Hepburn are the highlights of the movie. The couple's chemistry and banter are a delight to watch, and their on-screen dynamic remains unmatched to this day. Their relationship is portrayed as an equal partnership, where both parties bring their unique strengths to the table.

The movie also delves into the theme of women's rights and the persistent social and legal inequalities that exist between men and women. Through their arguments in court, Amanda challenges the traditional gender roles that have been assigned to women. She argues that women should be given the same rights and opportunities as men and that the law should not be biased against them.

In addition, the movie offers a scathing critique of the justice system's treatment of domestic violence victims. Doris's case brings to light the institutionalized mistreatment and neglect of women who have been victims of abuse. The movie deftly tackles this theme with humor and sensitivity, without diminishing the seriousness of the issue.

Overall, Adam's Rib is a timeless classic that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. It is a witty and thought-provoking movie that challenges the traditional notions of gender roles and the justice system. The movie is elevated by its exceptional cast, sharp writing, and its ability to balance humor and seriousness with ease. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood's Golden Age and the social issues of the era.

Adam's Rib is a 1949 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 87.